Amish Outline

1. Voting is rare

a. Only around 10-15% of Amish people cast ballots in presidential elections.

b. Amish are more apt to vote when it involves issues that will affect them (for example: zoning).

c. Reasons why Amish generally don’t vote:

i. They view the world as a material kingdom and do not want to conform to it in any way ii. Because Amish do not enter public office or take positions in government positions, they have less drive to vote.

2. Amish rarely accept government handouts

3. Amish do not go to war

a. Amish believe that by resisting violence and avoiding service in war, they are following Christ’s example.

i. They believe that Jesus accepted the beating on the cross at Calvary without resisting and emulate this same attitude toward worldwide conflicts. ii. They live by the rule of “turning the other cheek” rather than killing in war.

c. By law, Amish must register at age 18

i. During registration, Amish usually apply for Conscientious Objector status if they are drafted, as those traditions are generally pacifist.

Note: If a draft begins and Amish are called, they can have the opportunity to file a claim for exemption from military service based upon their religious or moral objection to war.

4. Taxes

a. Amish are required to pay taxes just like any other U.S. citizen.

b. Because of the strong sense of community that Amish exhibit, they do not believe in paying social security tax, but rather, believe in helping one another, including the elderly, in time of need.

i. Only those who are self-employed are able to be exempt from paying into social security. ii. Whether or not they pay into the social security tax, they rarely accept the benefits.

______________________ ____________________________ (Men’s Hobbies)

1. Barn...

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... child to leave and sow wild oats before settling down. In fact, when a child leaves the Amish, parents are deeply hurt by the situation.

Myth #3: Amish don’t pay taxes.

Not True: Amish pay sales and property taxes just like every other American.

Myth #4: Amish marriages are arranged.

Not True: Young people are encouraged to find their own life partner, as long as they marry within the same fellowship of believers (same Amish sect).

Myth #5: Amish do not use the banking system.

Not True: Amish people use checking and saving’s accounts. They also borrow money from the bank just like any other American.

Myth #6: The Amish are slowly dying out and becoming extinct.

Not True: On average, 85-95% of teens choose to be baptized and remain in the Amish life. In addition, because of large family sizes, their population increases on a consistent basis.